Braves move back to top of table with win over Whickham

Michael Chilton scored late to send Blyth AFC back top of Northern League DivisionTwo after a 1-0 victory over Whickham at Woodhorn Lane, writes Andrew McDonnell.

After a goalless and closely-fought first-half, the visitors struck the woodwork three minutes after half-time as a corner swung in from the right and hit the post.

Matthew Tumilty’s effort was blocked on the line on 76 minutes before Chilton swept the ball home to put the Braves ahead.

Substitute Ben Cains was sent off for an off-the- ball incident with the match officials, but the hosts managed to see the game through for a crucial three points.

The victory sees Blyth move to the top of the league, two points clear with a game in hand.

It had been three weeks since Blyth’s last game, but after a tense opening to the game, the hosts had the first chance on 17 minutes when David Robinson glanced a header wide of the post.

Four minutes later Kyle Wharton blazed over the crossbar from six-yards out, but at the break it remained 0-0.

The hosts were sent a warning message shortly after the restart following a corner when the ball struck a post.

But Blyth had several chances in quick succession with Liam Gillesphey, Robinson and Liam Hudson all going close.

The Braves eventually managed to break the deadlock on 76 minutes when a cross from the right found Tumilty, whose strike was saved on the line, but Chilton reacted well and was on hand to steer the ball home to spark jubilant celebrations.